FLUX: Let’s do the time warp with this Temporal Modulation Rhythm Sequencer
FLUX from In Orbit Labs is a time-warping algorithmically based complex rhythm sequencer capable of Temporal Modulation bending to the curves of cosmic orbits.
Temporal Modulation Synthesis
It’s a Eurorack drum machine capable of a dizzying array of complex rhythms, forms and patterns. It can handle polyrhythms, Euclidean rhythms, complex and regular rhythms from the bizarre and unobtainable state to a humanising and realistic framework. It can burst up to 64 triggers in a single step, firing so quickly it can be used as a bank of oscillators. But usually it’s for running a bit of percussion.
The Temporal Modulation (TM) algorithm bends time and space between the triggers via linear, logarithmic, exponential or complex curves. Simply play with the density, set a length and apply a curve and FLUX will do the rest.
FLUX
FLUX has 4 channels each with a trigger output plus three auxiliary outputs. They can become rhythm delays, clock dividers and logic functions generating additional rhythms from that channel. They can act as additional triggers to open VCAs trigger envelopes or other events while remaining rhythmically connected to the original channel.
They talk about it being free from grids and quantization and instead you have these algorithms bringing in realistic-sounding human vibes. It certainly looks like there’s a lot going on and in the video it sounds unlike anything I’ve heard in Eurorack – although that may have something to do with the huge sounding source material being triggered.
The magic happens with the help of the display. It appears to offer a lot of information with complex routing and parameter editing. Exactly how you put things together is not entirely clear but on the front panel you get 4 macro knobs to play with the algorithms and 2 optical encoders to play with the screen. A basic pattern consists of 16 steps into which you can pour parameters such as length, curve, gate, triggers, humanisation and so on.
This is a manic monster of a device; it looks completely amazing and is generating some extraordinary rhythms. I wish there were some less intense videos to show you how things come together. In Orbit Labs creator Barry Barr is obviously into his huge drum sounds but the constant banging from the demos could possibly drive a lesser person insane.
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Kickstarting
In Orbit Labs have launched FLUX on Kickstarter and have already met their goal. All the Early Birds have gone and so you’ll need to pledge £349 to secure yourself one for delivery in August.
More information
- Kickstarter page.
Video
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/136073115/flux-temporal-modulation-rhythm-sequencer-for-eurorack
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